Yosemite National Park: 14 places to see along the valley

Explore Yosemite National Park's iconic Yosemite Valley on this 727.7 km route from San Francisco. The scenic loop road connects major attractions including Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome, with access to hiking trails and valley viewpoints throughout.

Mode
Places
Start
Yosemite National Park
End
Lembert Dome
Stops
14
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Yosemite National Park — One of America's greatest natural treasures, covering almost 1200 square miles across California's Sierra Nevada mountains with five distinct vegetation zones.
  2. Tunnel View — Iconic scenic overlook offering a sweeping panorama of Yosemite Valley with views of Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
  3. Bridalveil Fall — Ethereal waterfall reaching peak flow in May, believed by the Ahwahneechee to increase chances of marriage when its mists are inhaled.
  4. Merced River — National wild and scenic waterway flowing through Yosemite Valley, thundering from the valley walls and gently winding across the floor through pine forests and meadows.
  5. The Four Mile Trail — A steep 4.8-mile hiking path offering dramatic switchbacks and panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.
  6. Glacier Point — High-altitude overlook where visitors can gaze down into the entire Yosemite Valley and view the distant high country.
  7. Washburn Point — Scenic viewpoint near Glacier Point offering stunning views across Yosemite's high country and valley landscape.
  8. The Mist Trail — A scenic waterfall hike featuring switchbacks past Vernal Fall spray and mist, culminating in breathtaking views of Nevada Fall.
  9. John Muir Trail — Historic trail named after the grandfather of America's National Park System, connecting major Yosemite attractions and alpine regions.
  10. Yosemite Village
  11. Valley View — Scenic overlook along the ring road providing a comprehensive final perspective of Yosemite Valley before the park exit.
  12. Olmsted Point — Scenic pullout along Tioga Road offering cool alpine air and views of the high country landscape.
  13. Tenaya Lake — Pure alpine lake named in honor of Yosemite's last great chieftain, offering refreshment and natural beauty along Tioga Road.
  14. Lembert Dome — Named after one of the park's earliest settlers, this short but rewarding hiking trail destination offers high country views and alpine adventure.

Useful for your trip

Timing
Most visitors spend time in Yosemite Valley, which is open year-round. However, from March to October the park gets busy.
Timing
Bridalveil Fall reaches its peak in May, though it has appeal year-round.
Timing
Glacier Point Road is open between May and November only. Plan accordingly if accessing Glacier Point and Washburn Point by car.
Timing
Tioga Road is impassable between October and May. Access to high country attractions like Tuolumne Meadow is seasonal.
Transport
From March to October when the park is busy, consider leaving your car at Yosemite Village and using the free shuttle service to explore the valley.
Transport
Follow 12 miles of bike paths that loop along the river and cross meadows, taking in valley attractions without a car.
Tip
The Four Mile Trail climbs the valley's southern wall and was first cut almost 150 years ago. Access outlooks at Glacier Point and Washburn Point on foot.
Tip
The Mist Trail is a five-hour hike for moderate to experienced hikers, leading to Vernal and Nevada Falls.
Tip
Take the one-hour hike to Yosemite Falls' lower falls or spend the day climbing to the upper falls to experience the full force.
Tip
Watch rock climbers at El Capitan Meadow from a comfortable vantage point. Modern climbers complete the 3,000-foot granite monolith in hours to days.
Tip
Visit the Museum at Yosemite Village to explore the culture of the valley's First Peoples, and the Ansel Adams Gallery for iconic park photography.

Video on this route

Yosemite National Park Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

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